After a harsh winter in DC, the forecast is finally showing warmer days on the horizon. But balmy weather brings its own nuisances—namely, mosquitos. Is there any chance the brutal freezing streak means fewer bloodsuckers this year? Don’t count on it. The region is plagued primarily by two types of mosquitoes: Culex pipiens and Aedes albopictus. According to Michael Raupp, emeritus entomologist at the University of Maryland, Culex pipiens (also known as northern house mosquitos) are the summertime insects. As adults, northern house mosquitoes survive winter by seeking refuge in urban underground structures. Think: the Metro, parking garages, open storm drains, and sewage pipes. Even during extreme weather, these spaces can trend as warm as 35 to 55 degrees. Underground spaces harbor wet environments for breeding as well as rats, a food source for the insects. So, while we were huddled indoors, the northern house mosquitoes were likely throwing an underground baby-making rave. In fact, the northern house mosquitos have adapted to survive winters even harsher than the one we experienced this year. Raupp says the DC area “probably hasn’t been cold enough, long enough” to expect relief from the insects this summer. Our other pesky mosquito is Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito. They lay eggs in containers, stagnant water, or muddy swamps right before the weather cools . Colder, shorter days cause the eggs to enter a dormant state called diapause that slows their metabolism, helping them survive severe weather. However, Raupp points to studies that suggest the eggs begin to freeze and die in sustained temperatures of 14 degrees and below. “It has to remain at those temperatures for maybe more than 24 hours, maybe several days, for that to become lethal for those eggs,” he says. In January and early February, the DC area had just four consecutive days where temperatures dipped to 14 degrees or below. Raupp believes it’s possible the cold weather could have killed some eggs that were exposed to the elements. But there’s a caveat: The District is an urban heat island whose infrastructure, concrete, asphalt, and vehicles make it hotter than the surrounding suburbs. Even if DC didn’t get cold enough to zap many eggs, Raupp says the neighboring counties might see some relief from these mosquitos. So, unfortunately, when it’s time to store your coat, you’ll want to pull out the insect repellent.  The post Sorry, DC’s Mosquitos Probably Survived the Snowcrete first appeared on Washingtonian. ...read more read less